COVID-19 has changed our lives for the unforeseeable future; however, it has not changed Navicent Health’s dedication to providing exceptional and compassionate care to our communities.COVID-19 Resources

Non-Surgical valve replacement offered to those who were previously not candidates

MACON, GA (June 4, 2012) – The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG) is pleased to announce that it is now offering transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve for patients suffering from severe, symptomatic native aortic valve stenosis who are not candidates for traditional aortic valve replacement surgery. A multidisciplinary team of physicians at MCCG successfully implanted the first device for Rita Crews on Tuesday May 22, 2012.

“As her cardiologist, I have been following Mrs. Crews for many years because of her aortic valve disease. Because of her age and medical condition, she was thought to be too high of a risk for standard open heart procedure. It was wonderful when MCCG was chosen as one of the institutions that would offer this less invasive option. Our team was able to offer a breakthrough opportunity that will undoubtedly improve her quality of life,” said Dr. Juan Esnard.

Until recently, the prognosis was poor for patients suffering from severe native aortic valve stenosis not eligible for surgery. Without replacement of the aortic valve, this disease is life-threatening, and studies have shown that 50 percent of patients will not survive more than an average of two years after the onset of symptoms.

According to Crews’ daughter, Debra Staudt, “Her choices were very limited. We had heard at the first of the year that (TAVR) would be an option for people her age and very sick people who might not tolerate open heart surgery. When (the FDA approval) came about, her doctor called her, and she didn’t hesitate. That was the option she wanted.”

During the minimally invasive procedure, the SAPIEN valve is crimped to the size of a pencil, and placed into the body via a catheter inserted in an artery in the upper thigh. Once it is delivered to the site of the patient’s diseased valve, the device is expanded with a balloon and begins to work immediately. The Edwards SAPIEN valve is the only TAVR therapy approved for commercial use in the country and MCCG is one of a select number of sites currently offering this treatment.

“The success of this procedure is testimony to the outstanding skills and expertise of the multidisciplinary team of physicians and personnel who participated in this surgical breakthrough. We can all be proud of their accomplishments,” said Dr. James Cunningham, Chief Medical Officer at MCCG.

“The doctors have been fantastic as a group of individuals who got together, and the care she has received has been phenomenal,” Staudt said of her mother’s experience. “She’s such a spunky little thing and already has plans to get back to water aerobics.”

Although Crews said she is looking forward to exercising, traveling and shopping again, she has one primary goal.

COVID-19 Risk Assessment

***All Classes & Events Are Temporarily Suspended***

As central Georgia prepares to respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Navicent Health is taking measures to protect patients, visitors and our community. All support groups and education classes for the remainder of March will be cancelled, effective Friday, March 13, 2020. If you have questions about a specific group or class, please contact the event organizer.

Finding the best information:

Apple Inc.

In partnership with the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – released an app and website that guides Americans through a series of questions about their health and exposure to determine if they should seek care for COVID-19 symptoms.

Visiting Our Campus - Important Visitation Guidelines

Staying Prepared

Schedule a Callback

*required fields

First Name *

Last Name *

Date of Birth *

Zip Code

Phone *

Best Time of Day to Call

Reason For Appointment

Terms of Use

I give permission for Navicent to use the information I supply on this form to fulfill my request for a physician appointment and to contact me for that purpose.
I certify that I am at least 18 years old and I acknowledge that I have read and accept these terms and agree to use this form to request a physician appointment.
Because we value your privacy, your personal information will not be used other than to schedule an appointment.

Your request has been submitted

Thank you for contacting Navicent Health. Someone will call you back as soon as possible at your specified, preferred time.